Bentley Continental R
12 MPG The 2003 Bentley Continental R is EPA-rated at 12 MPG combined (10 city / 15 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1250 gallons, $4000 a year in fuel, or $0.267 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1998–2003 run it averages 12 MPG, essentially flat across 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.208 | $2083 | $3125 | $4167 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.267 | $2667 | $4000 | $5333 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.292 | $2917 | $4375 | $5833 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.333 | $3333 | $5000 | $6667 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.375 | $3750 | $5625 | $7500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.417 | $4167 | $6250 | $8333 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 12 MPG | 10 | 15 | $6400 | 741 | 1 |
| 2001 | 12 MPG | 10 | 15 | $6400 | 741 | 1 |
| 2000 | 12 MPG | 10 | 15 | $6400 | 741 | 1 |
| 1999 | 12 MPG | 10 | 15 | $6400 | 741 | 1 |
| 1998 | 12 MPG | 10 | 15 | $6400 | 741 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Bentley Continental R ranks 225 on current figures, against a class average of 26.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mercedes-Benz CL600 (14), Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG (14), Rolls-Royce Dawn (14), Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe (14), Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe (14).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 741 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 11.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Bentley Continental R get?
The 2003 Bentley Continental R is rated at 12 MPG combined by the EPA — 10 city and 15 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 12 MPG, ranging from 12 to 12 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Bentley Continental R cost in fuel per year?
At 12 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1250 gallons — roughly $4000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.267 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2003 model is $6400.
Has the Bentley Continental R become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 12 MPG today against 12 in 1998 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Bentley Continental R efficient for its class?
It ranks 225 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.7 MPG. That is 14.7 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.